_(14765828805).jpg) Three Kaw Nation chiefs in 1908 | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 3,559[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States () | |
| Languages | |
| English, historically Kansa | |
| Religion | |
| Native American Church, Christianity, traditional tribal religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| other Siouan and Dhegihan peoples |
The Kaw Nation (or Kanza or Kansa) is a federally recognized Native American tribe in Oklahoma and parts of Kansas.
The Kaw people historically lived in the central Midwestern United States. They have also been called the "People of the South wind",[2] "People of water", Kansa, Kaza, Konza, Conza, Quans, Kosa, and Kasa. Their tribal language is Kansa, classified as a Siouan language.[3]
The state of Kansas was named for this tribe. The name of Topeka, capital city of Kansas, is said to be the Kaw word Tó Ppí Kˀé meaning "a good place to grow potatoes".[4] The Kaw are closely related to the Osage Nation, with whom members often intermarried.
- ^ Kaw Nation population as officially rallied at top right. Archived 2012-05-12 at the Wayback Machine Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission. 2011: 17. Retrieved 4 January 2012.
- ^ "Constitution of the Kaw Nation." Archived 2019-08-03 at the Wayback Machine Kaw Nation. 2011. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
- ^ Unrau, William E. (January 15, 2010). "Kaw (Kansa)". The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
- ^ Connelley, William E. "Origin of the Name of Topeka" Collections of the Kansas State Historical Society, Vol 27, 589-593.